Upon consider the previous year, a assortment of outstanding long-form pieces shines. These narratives explore complex themes from political machinations and historical revelations to deeply human sagas.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
A certain Russian novelist became known in the post-Soviet era with scathing commentaries on autocratic rule. While many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he continues to move vast numbers of books. This prompts a pertinent query: Has the author turned into an supporter for the Kremlin?
Endurance and Collaboration in Syria's Brutal Civil War
The story of Mustafa, who at 18 was informed that his sole path out of prison was to join the regime military. After 14 years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers may now get him killed.
The Fierce Dispute Over Our Ancient Origins
The unearthing of fossilised bones in the Djurab sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as completely re-writing the story of our human race. Yet, not everyone was convinced. The subsequent heated controversy has taken over the lives of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Hid in Plain Sight
Philippa Barnes was only a child when her household became part of the Jesus Fellowship. As an grown woman, she played a key role in reveal the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Statesman's Curious Stance on International Law
Many voters anticipated that the prime minister would reaffirm the UK's dedication to international law. Yet, the record over the past year has been curiously inconsistent.
Challenging a Nation's Self-Image
A documentary tracking a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with hidden cameras poses complex queries: Is she truly reformed, and what are the filmmaker's true methods?
A Person Who Cleans Britain's Most Traumatic Stains
From homicide sites to biological waste, Ben Giles has encountered – and restored – it all. In their stickiest moments, people rely on him to restore normalcy.
Will an Famous Museum Endure an "Omni-Crisis"?
Plagued by restitution claims, difficult funding and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's leading cultural institution is in deep trouble. The question remains: Can it repair its legacy?
More Than "Morning Sickness": The Suffering of Extreme Pregnancy
Called hyperemesis gravidarum and once labeled 'pernicious vomiting' by the 19th century, this condition has long been without an effective medical solution – up until potentially now.
The Spectre of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A violent fanatic and pioneer of bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political pariah thirty-five years ago. Today, his ideology permeate the highest echelons of government.
An British Gentleman With a Dishonest Secret
With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it's understandable that high-net-worth individuals entrusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious.
A Small State That Emerged as the Global Diplomatic Capital
An incredibly wealthy Gulf state has risen as a significant player on the world stage, striving to solve some of the most intractable disputes. Which factors are fueling this unprecedented role?
A Inside Look at a President Preparing for International Summitry
Deeply disliked at home, President Macron relishes the world arena, where he positions himself as the statesman uniquely positioned to deal with a certain sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous encounter, a journalist accompanied him as he prepared for the fray.
During the Court Case of a Heartbreaking Case
How did the daughter of an aristocrat find herself at the a major court with her partner, charged with killing their newborn baby?
The Dismantling of a Major Development Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to drastically cut a major US aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the front lines in a West African nation, this most recent betrayal was far from unexpected.
A Disturbing Mid-Century Experiment on South Asian Mothers
When details about a scientific experiment in the sixties became public, there was widespread shock. But the precise truth of the events remains somewhat shrouded.
A "Master" of the Online Economy
He's endured 24 hours in a vat of goo, two days underground – and given away huge sums of cash to lucky contestants. But are these stunts simply very savvy clickbait – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Nation Endangered by the Encroaching Seas
With the ocean increasing, much of Tuvalu's residents is grappling with the possibility that their homeland may soon be submerged. The pressing issue is: Where are they going to relocate?
One Tragic Story of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. Even then believed his situation might improve. That hope was tragically misplaced.
The Global AI Race and a Key Defection
In the recent past, after spending decades in the US, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Now, he might hold the secret to who wins the worldwide AI race.
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